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Christmas is here, and it won't be long before you're rushing to find a charging cable or batteries for your newly delivered gadgets and goodies. Don't worry - Joystiq Deals has you covered.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbatterieschargersiosipadiphonejoystiq-dealsmobileusbThu, 25 Dec 2014 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/microsoft-pulls-offline-usb-updating-instructions-for-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/microsoft-pulls-offline-usb-updating-instructions-for-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/microsoft-pulls-offline-usb-updating-instructions-for-xbox-one/#comments
Microsoft pulled its support page that instructed users how to update their Xbox One systems offline using a USB drive. We've included an image of the cached support page above, which is no longer available to view.

The Xbox Support page instructed Xbox One owners with a two gigabyte USB stick to download one of two compressed update files to their computers, then unzip them to the root of the USB drive. The process then had owners holding the bind and eject buttons while turning their consoles on, releasing the two buttons once they hear two start-up tones. According to the now-unavailable support page, that last step told the Xbox One to search for an update from a USB drive, a procedure that isn't part of the system's initial booting process.

We've contacted Microsoft for comment.

Update: A Microsoft spokesperson tells Joystiq that "the site was not an alternative way to take the Day One update and customers still need to connect to Xbox Live for the update. Because of the complexity of this customer support process we've actually removed the page and we will work with customers directly to make sure they have a smooth experience."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emergency-offline-updatefirmwarefirmware-updatemicrosoftoffline-updatesupportusbusb-stickxbox-onexbox-one-launchxbox-supportThu, 21 Nov 2013 10:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/updating-an-xbox-one-with-a-usb-stick-is-a-three-step-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/updating-an-xbox-one-with-a-usb-stick-is-a-three-step-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/20/updating-an-xbox-one-with-a-usb-stick-is-a-three-step-process/#comments
Much like the PS4, prospective Xbox One owners can download the system's day-one update early to a USB stick. The process is listed on Microsoft's support page as an "emergency offline update" procedure, and boils down to a few simple steps.

Those looking to update their systems offline will need a USB stick with at least two gigabytes of space on it, and will need to format it as NTFS on their computers. After checking their OS version on their Xbox One consoles, they can then download one of two compressed files to their computer from the Xbox support page, unzip them and copy the contents to the root of the USB stick. Given that the system isn't out yet and players can't check for their OS version, those looking to get a head start on the process will need to account for that missing nugget of information.

After setting up their USB stick, the next step is to power off and unplug your Xbox One, plug the power cord back in after 30 seconds then hold the bind and eject buttons while turning the system on. The console will emit two power-up tones after 10-15 seconds, at which point owners can release the two buttons and wait for the system to automatically restart, completing the update process. Microsoft says the button combination forces the console to search for a USB drive update, which isn't the default chain of operations when the Xbox One normally boots up.

Check out our living review of the Xbox One for more about the console ahead of its launch on Friday.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emergency-offline-updatefirmwarefirmware-updatemicrosoftoffline-updateupdateusbusb-stickxbox-onexbox-one-launchWed, 20 Nov 2013 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/plan-ahead-install-ps4-firmware-v1-5-to-a-usb-stick-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/plan-ahead-install-ps4-firmware-v1-5-to-a-usb-stick-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/13/plan-ahead-install-ps4-firmware-v1-5-to-a-usb-stick-right-now/#comments
If you're getting a PS4 this Friday, here's a handy tip: Copy the necessary version 1.5 firmware update onto a USB stick and install it on your console that way. It's probably not the best idea to try and access Sony's servers while swarms of other people are trying to do the same thing on launch day.

Simply head over to this PlayStation page and download the firmware. Then go into your USB stick and create a "PS4" folder and an "UPDATE" folder inside of that. Now it's simply a matter of copying the 308MB in files over to your USB stick and you're good to go.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmware-updateplaystationps4ps4-firmwareps4-launchps4-version-1.5usbWed, 13 Nov 2013 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ouya-external-usb-storage-beta-incoming-sign-up-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ouya-external-usb-storage-beta-incoming-sign-up-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/12/ouya-external-usb-storage-beta-incoming-sign-up-now/#commentsOuya is preparing to unlock USB storage capabilities through a limited closed beta run, which will be rolled out in phases starting next week. Those who wish to participate in the closed beta may sign up through this page right now.

Outside of USB storage, this update - which Ouya is calling "Ogopogo" - also adds videos to game pages, so developers can upload footage to better sell their experiences to prospective buyers. Then there are the requisite bug fixes that come with any update, including a fix for the HDMI wakeup issue that has been bothering some Ouya owners out there.

Earlier this week, Ouya trumpeted a new milestone: 25,000 registered developers creating or have created Ouya games. Close to 500 games and apps exist on Ouya, which launched in July for $100. We spent a lot of time with the console, so if you'd like to know more our review is a great place to start.

In addition to (a link to a download of) the freeware game, the $20 drive also comes loaded with digital copies of Mega Man comics, the Mega Man Tribute and Mega Man X Complete Works art books, wallpapers, and a soundtrack.

More importantly, it comes with a flash drive shaped like the Mega Buster.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommega-bustermega-manpcstreet-fighter-x-mega-manusbFri, 01 Mar 2013 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/#commentsSony filed a patent for a Vita that includes HDMI and USB ports. The patent, spotted by Patent Bolt, was filed on February 7 in the US and includes a detailed run-down of the hardware, including the above photo of a Vita with HDMI and USB connection slots (25 and 24, respectively).

Update: This configuration matches that of a Vita dev kit, so it could be as simple as patenting that (existing, non-public) model.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDMIpatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYusbvitaTue, 12 Feb 2013 20:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/how-to-live-through-wii-u-error-code-150-1093/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/how-to-live-through-wii-u-error-code-150-1093/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/how-to-live-through-wii-u-error-code-150-1093/#commentsAre you getting error code 150-1093 from your shiny (very shiny) new Wii U? Reader Matt did, and it was a bummer. Games were freezing at load, leaving him with a confusing error code and no Mario.

Nintendo support told him that this code results when you try to load a game from an external hard drive that isn't powered. Nintendo has warned that only hard drives plugged into the wall or into two USB ports with a Y cable will be supported, and now we see the problem.

The short-term solution is simpler than getting a new hard drive or cable, though. Just go into your system settings and transfer the game's data to your system when playing. "This process takes approximately 2 minutes to complete," Matt tells us. It's another annoying user experience hiccup - why not just tell users "hey, go plug in your hard drive?" - but at least it's easily dealt with.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>errorerror-codehard-drivenintendousbwii-uTue, 20 Nov 2012 13:40:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/madcatzs-tritton-detonator-now-shipping-detonating/#comments
We've all been there: It's 3 am, the guys you share your tiny studio apartment with are zonked out after a hard day's hack-sackin' down on the quad, but you'll be awake for another 6 hours, at least. Now, thanks to the Tritton Detonator from MadCatz and Microsoft, your bitter, sleep-deprived roommates will only hear the sound of your frantic stick waggling and trigger flicking, as opposed to the gunfire and chainsaws they normally have to deal with.

The Detonator is the first in a series of official 360 headphones, and its $80 entry fee delivers a USB cord, stereo sound, a detachable boom mic, voice monitoring capabilities and an in-line volume control for the whole kit-n-caboodle. Its big brother, the wireless, Dolby 7.1 rocking WarHead, is still reportedly on track for a holiday release, although we expect that model to cost a bit closer to the self-imposed $300 limit MadCatz mentioned when the headphones were announced.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesdetonatorheadphonesheadsetmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftperipheralstrittonUSBWarHeadxboxxbox-liveSat, 01 Oct 2011 17:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/#comments
While Nintendo was blowing minds this morning with the announcement of its new console, the Wii U, the company's Japanese press site was quietly releasing all the juicy specs of the upcoming machine that we hunger for. As mentioned during the presser, the console will output games in high definition, now revealed as ranging from 480i to 1080p. Moreover, the Wii U will output HD by employing HDMI.

As far as internal storage goes, it's still unclear whether or not the Wii U will come packed with an HDD, but the specs sheet does amorphously detail "internal flash storage," as well as an SD slot and the ability to use USB storage. Notably, the list points out that the USB storage will allow for external HDDs. And while the disc slot gives us the impression that Wii U games will be disc-based, Nintendo has yet to reveal its medium of choice.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080phard-disc-drivehardware-specshddhdminintendospecsusbwiiwii-uTue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/kinect-update-could-greatly-improve-performance-report-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/kinect-update-could-greatly-improve-performance-report-suggests/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/19/kinect-update-could-greatly-improve-performance-report-suggests/#comments
What if Kinect could track individual fingers? What if it could see not only the position of your hand, but its rotation as well? According to a report by Eurogamer, more advanced tracking from the Kinect is possible -- but only through a firmware update which its sources say is coming.

The Kinect sensor would be able to transfer up to 35MB/s of data, but is currently locked to about 15MB/s. The artificial limit is imposed by the fact that multiple USB devices may be connected to the console. However, Microsoft engineers are supposedly working on a fix that will allow a greater amount of data to be transferred from the Kinect, upgrading the 320x240 image it currently uses to a 640x480 one -- an effective fourfold increase in pixels.

Digital Foundry's Rich Leadbetter's said that a firmware-based solution is "doable," but admitted that there will be additional caveats for Microsoft to address. "It is uncertain just how accurate the camera's sensor is," even when operating at a higher resolution. "Additionally, processing four times as many depth pixels could slow things down more."

Sony has introduced yet another PlayStation 3 variant to the Japanese market, for those who weren't already confused enough about whether to buy the system in white, black, or blue, with or without a game, with a 160GB or 320GB hard drive, and with or without the Torne DVR add-on.

The latest PS3 bundle, available in Japan November 18 at ¥39,980 ($480) includes a Charcoal Black PS3 with a 320GB hard drive, and a Torne tuner. In addition, Sony also announced that it will market a longer USB cable for charging PS3 controllers. "Through the introduction of this new bundle pack and peripheral, SCEJ will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation." Charging from 2 meters away -- you can't get that anywhere else.

Owners of various PS3 peripherals, including (but not limited to) the Yobo PS3 Joybox, the XCM Cross Battle Plus Adapter and the SplitFish FragFX, are reporting compatibility issues after the release of PS3 firmware 3.50. Some conspiracy theorists believe the rampant failure of these devices is linked to Sony's ongoing battle to circumvent further use of the PS3 jailbreak, which requires a USB tool to activate.

1UP suggests that this issue may be a side effect of Sony's discovery (and subsequent disabling) of "counterfeit" PS3 controllers. A recent consumer alert on Sony's official website states that "SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."

The 1UP report adds that "no third-party controllers that are officially licensed by Sony" have been disabled in the latest update. Considering the affected devices haven't been officially licensed, it's unlikely that a fix will be offered. A SCEA representative told us that "SCE does not support continued functionality of unlicensed controllers."

Sure, you could play Final Fantasy XIV on PS3, if you like waiting. Or you could play it on PC with a (third-party PC controller based on a) PlayStation controller as soon as September 30. Sunflex, a third-party peripherals company, is releasing an officially licensed Final Fantasy XIV controller on that date, in Europe and the US, under its Snakebyte brand.

It bears a striking resemblance to the company's PS3 accessories, but in white -- and, more importantly, with the Final Fantasy XIV logo on it, so you know you're officially playing Final Fantasy XIV. Whether or not that officialness is an attractive enough quality to justify one of these is your call.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerFinal-Fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivMMOmmorpgpcsnakebytesquare-enixsunflexUSBFri, 24 Sep 2010 04:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/alleged-kinect-hardware-specs-claim-two-active-player-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/alleged-kinect-hardware-specs-claim-two-active-player-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/alleged-kinect-hardware-specs-claim-two-active-player-limit/#comments
During E3, PrimeSense, the company behind the Kinect hardware, told Joystiq that the system it had licensed to Microsoft could only handle a maximum of two active players at a time. PrimeSense couldn't confirm at the time that Kinect could only calculate two players, and Microsoft didn't comment further when we asked, but leaked Kinect technical specifications from a few UK retailers seem to match up with the two "active" player limit. The leaked technical specifications claim that the Kinect camera can recognize any number of human bodies, but can only calculate the movement and actions of two people at a time.

Other interesting specs have the camera pulling in a video view with a 640x480 resolution at 30fps, and an echo cancellation system in the mic that will make voice chat possible directly through Kinect. The information also explains what the original Xbox 360 will need for the device: 175 MB of memory for system drivers and an open USB port (to connect Kinect).

Of course, these specifications aren't yet official, and they're strictly for the hardware -- not every game will support camera output or voice chat.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameradriverskinectmaximummemorymicrophonemicrosoftspecsusbxboxWed, 30 Jun 2010 10:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/eagle-eye-peripheral-adds-keyboard-support-to-ps3-fps-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/eagle-eye-peripheral-adds-keyboard-support-to-ps3-fps-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/eagle-eye-peripheral-adds-keyboard-support-to-ps3-fps-games/#comments
Most games don't take advantage of the PS3's native ability to support a USB keyboard and mouse, much to the chagrin of those who veer away from the console's regular controller. However, Penguin United wants to capitalize on this shortcoming with its upcoming Eagle-Eye peripheral. Debuting at E3 next week, the Converter offers a key-mapping feature that lets you re-map all the buttons of a PS3 controller to a standard keyboard. According to the company, the Eagle-Eye will offer "1 to 1 translation from a PS3 controller to the mouse."

Set to retail for $59.99, the Eagle-Eye is "compatible with all PS3 console versions" and will be "future proof with firmware updates." It's certainly an interesting claim and one we'll definitely get our hands on next week during E3. Until then, these demonstration videos (after the break) will have to sate your curiosity.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagle-eyekeyboardpenguin-unitedperipheralusbThu, 10 Jun 2010 11:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/#comments
The Xbox 360 system update enabling USB storage is live and ready to help you explore the joyous world of non-proprietary storage options. Rules are the same as previously noted: USB devices need to be over 1GB, but can only use 16GB of available storage. Users can use two sticks at once for 32GB, but can switch out units any time, limiting their storage potential by how many USB devices they've got lying around.

The update takes approximately five minutes with a standard cable connection. For those who don't believe in internets, the update will also be available on the branded 16 GB Xbox 360 USB sticks set to debut in May.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hddMicrosofttitle-updateusbusb-storageXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 06 Apr 2010 08:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/lost-planet-2-xbox-360-bundle-includes-usb-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/lost-planet-2-xbox-360-bundle-includes-usb-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/lost-planet-2-xbox-360-bundle-includes-usb-drive/#commentsMicrosoft is putting forth its best effort in the hope that Japanese consumers who want to play Lost Planet 2 won't just buy it for the PS3, which they already own. The company has announced a Lost Planet 2 Xbox 360 bundle, to be released May 20 for ¥24,800 ($265) in Japan.

The set includes a 60GB Xbox 360 with a D-connector HD cable, the game and a headset. It'll also include bonus Lost Planet content -- on a 2GB USB stick; taking advantage of the new Dashboard update that allows such drives to be used as 360 storage devices! This bonus seems destined to become a standard for special-edition Xbox 360 bundles.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecapcomjapanlost-planetLost-Planet-2Lost-Planet-Extreme-ConditionMicrosoftrelease-dateusbusb-driveXbox-360Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:25:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/official-xbox-360-usb-drives-priced-by-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/official-xbox-360-usb-drives-priced-by-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/official-xbox-360-usb-drives-priced-by-gamestop/#commentsGameStop has leaked information about those official Xbox 360 USB hard drives we've heard about (first rumored and then officially), and they ain't cheap. According to the confusingly similar GameSpot (who saw the prices temporarily listed on GameStop's website), there will be both 8GB and 16GB drives available, the smaller for $39.99 and the larger for $69.99. According to Major Nelson, we'll see them in stores in May.

Of course, the system update will also allow you to use any USB drive (not just the official Xbox-branded ones), but before you get visions of 1TB of storage plugged into your Xbox, remember that there's a 16GB limit on each of two possible devices, so you can have only 32GB total. Fortunately, an unofficial 16GB flash drive is about half of Microsoft's price over on Newegg. You may have to tweak things a little bit, as the official drives are meant to be "plug and play," but it can't be that complicated. The GameStop listing is down for now, but we'll see these drives officially in just over a month or so anyway.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16gb8gbdrivesflashflash-drivesgamespotgamestophard-drivesMicrosoftneweggspring-updatespring-update-2010storageusbxbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/#comments
This morning at the PAX East Microsoft breakfast, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb revealed the 16GB Xbox 360-branded Flash drive from SanDisk. Available in May, the not-yet-priced device comes pre-installed with the April 6 Dashboard update for those who shun the connectivity of Xbox Live.

In a conversation with Joystiq, Hryb informed us that all data will be transferable to the USB device, except for installed games -- users will need to re-install those directly to the USB device once more. He assured us, however, that, "If you've got a 16GB and you only want to use 8, you can use the UI and throttle it back." Further, he reiterated to Joystiq that while this branded device is certainly one option, other Flash drives (including those larger than 16GB) will work in the same capacity.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-updatedashboard-update-spring-2010larry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010sandiskusbXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ubisoft-racquet-sports-with-wii-camera-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ubisoft-racquet-sports-with-wii-camera-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ubisoft-racquet-sports-with-wii-camera-preview/#comments
Call to mind Wii Sports' tennis, and you don't have to stretch your imagination too much further to arrive at Ubisoft's Racquet Sports. If you own a Wii, you already own this experience, to which Ubisoft has added some variety, including ping-pong, badminton, squash, and beach tennis, and a more fleshed-out art direction than Nintendo's pack-in or even its sequel, Wii Sports Resort. There's no Mii support, but Racquet Sports offers its own dollish avatars, customized with unlockable trinkets. There's a derivative multicultural vibe, too, as the characters and playing courts span the globe in classic and fantastic scenarios. Grandma vs. dashiki-clad boy in an aquarium squash court? Yes.

Of course, the experience you don't own is "tennis" played with a motion-tracking camera. No, not Natal -- not at all. Ubisoft's USB camera, first bundled with scarcely-reviewedYour Shape (featuring Jenny McCarthy), might be on the cutting edge of a revived and revamped gaming tech trend, but its implementation in Racquet Sports is painfully dull.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameramotion-trackingmotionplusNintendoracquet-sportsslap-happysportsubisoftusbWiiwii-motionplusyour-shapeThu, 10 Dec 2009 18:50:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/psp-gos-480mhz-state-refers-to-usb-not-cpu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/psp-gos-480mhz-state-refers-to-usb-not-cpu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/psp-gos-480mhz-state-refers-to-usb-not-cpu/#comments
FCC documents originally believed to have revealed that the PSP Go had a 480MHz processor -- over 40% more than the PSP (1000-3000) -- were actually talking about another part of the device ... the USB. Sony Computer Entertainment has stated that those extra megahertz are being used to clock the USB transfer and not the CPU.

Are you tired of dealing with the tumbleweed of cords responsible for siphoning power into your GBA SP, DS Phat, DS Lite, DSi, and your three different PSP models? Do you only have seven bucks with which to remedy said problem? Are you brave enough to trust a third-party company whose promotional materials feature glaring typos (we trust you can find it in the above image) with moving electricity from one of your expensive electronic devices into another? Can we turn your attention to Brando's 7-in-1 USB Charging Cable, the perfect gift for those who meet the criteria listed above? Can we write this whole post only using interrogative sentences? Yes, we can. Aw, crap.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-in-1accessoriesbrandochargerDSPSPusbSun, 04 Jan 2009 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/7-in-1-charging-cable-is-the-solution-to-all-of-lifes-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/7-in-1-charging-cable-is-the-solution-to-all-of-lifes-problems/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/7-in-1-charging-cable-is-the-solution-to-all-of-lifes-problems/#comments ... Provided that your problems are entirely limited to ownership of many recent handheld gaming devices, and inability to manage the large number of wall chargers required for such a collection. But if you find yourself burdened by too many wall warts, this item from Brando will change your life.

Basically, it's USB on one end (for your "USB solts"), and ... Game Boy Advance SP, DS, DS Lite, DSi, and PSP on the other. This single, compact, $7 item charges any of those handhelds through your computer's USB port (or your Wii's, for that matter).

Now for the standard disclaimer: there's a certain element of fear when dealing with a company like Brando for something like guiding electricity into your expensive devices. We've used some Dragon USB charging cable for the DS Lite for months with nothing to report but convenience, but your mileage may vary! As far as off-brand accessories go, a cable seems pretty okay, but we don't feel comfortable being the authority on that.

Maybe you noticed the PS3 uses mini-USB to recharge everything: Sixaxis and/or DualShock 3 controller; official Bluetooth headset; and even the soon-to-be-released Wireless Keypad. If you want to extend your gaze outside into the larger PlayStation family, the PSP-2000 and -3000 also support charging over USB. Convenient, no? What's not as convenient? A distinct lack of mini-USB outlets in our homes.

Cue: the official PlayStation "AC Adaptor" available at retailer this December for $25. You plug it into one of your many "AC" outlets and it converts all of that alternating current into sweet, delicious, USB-shaped direct current. Considering that the PS3 itself will charge your gear, we can only assume the target demographic is those of you that don't turn it on.

... But if you don't turn it on, why do you care if its peripherals are charged? Alright, we admit it. We don't know who this is for.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AC-AdaptorPlayStationPS3USBWed, 26 Nov 2008 10:57:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/ac-adaptor-charges-two-peripherals-available-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/ac-adaptor-charges-two-peripherals-available-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/ac-adaptor-charges-two-peripherals-available-for-25/#comments
In addition to the costly wireless keypad, Sony is planning on introducing a new PS3 peripheral to market in December. The AC Adapter will be able to charge any two USB devices, from controllers to the Bluetooth headset to the wireless keypad. Heck, it can even charge the PSP-2000 and 3000. This will allow you to charge peripherals without having your PS3 turned on.

You can expect the peripheral on retail shelves in the second week of December for $25. However, remember -- you can save a bit of money by using your computer to charge your USB devices. You can plug a USB cable into your computer and charge a PS3 controller from there. Or, just remember to charge something while playing games on the PS3.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac-adapterac-adaptorchargeperipheralusbWed, 26 Nov 2008 10:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/nyko-media-hub-works-as-expected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/nyko-media-hub-works-as-expected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/nyko-media-hub-works-as-expected/#comments
This is quite possibly the least surprising hardware review we've ever done. The Nyko Media Hub, available for about $20 at retailers, does exactly what it says it will do: provide additional USB ports on the PS3. This is perfect for those with recent PS3 configurations, which only feature 2 (as opposed to 4) USB ports. It may not be a big deal for many, but those that play games that require a lot of wireless peripherals, such as Rock Band or Guitar Hero may find themselves short on ports.

It shouldn't be surprising that the device works instantly. There's no indicator light to show that it's working: you just plug it in and voila. The included memory card reader is a nice plus.

The small design of the Media Hub makes it so that it doesn't stand out too much on your system. However, $20 for two additional USB ports does seem a bit pricey. This is certainly a limited appeal product, one you wouldn't be rushing out to buy. If you do decide to pick one up, at least you can be confident knowing it will work exactly as you think it will.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nykonyko-media-hubusbWed, 29 Oct 2008 15:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/wiimote-used-to-launch-something-other-than-itself/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/wiimote-used-to-launch-something-other-than-itself/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/wiimote-used-to-launch-something-other-than-itself/#comments
What do you get when you cross a device designed to track IR light and a computer-controlled missile-launching toy? A Wiimote covered in impossible-to-remove tacky duct tape residue! And also a fairly cool auto-aiming missile launcher.

It looks like a simple enough project (now that someone else has written all the code): just tape a Wiimote to the sort of USB missile launcher found at ThinkGeek (for example), connect the Wiimote to your computer using Bluetooth, and use the GlovePIE code found in the tutorial. Your turret will then aim at any IR light source! It's at your discretion whether or not to pelt that light source with foam darts.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infraredmissile-launcherusbTue, 12 Aug 2008 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-animal-crossing-to-support-keyboards-save-fruit-picking-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-animal-crossing-to-support-keyboards-save-fruit-picking-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-animal-crossing-to-support-keyboards-save-fruit-picking-t/#comments
All Animal Crossing games are wonderful, but that's not all they have in common: as it happens, each game in the series to date has featured an unwieldy, cumbersome user interface. Every tool and item can only be selected by opening a totally separate menu, you can't skip through any of the game's (oft-repeated) dialogue, and writing letters/entering text is a royal pain in the backside, thanks to the excruciatingly annoying on-screen keyboard.

This morning, JC's hands-on impressions of Animal Crossing: City Folk revealed that Nintendo had fixed the first problem, by allowing users to cycle through their inventory with the d-pad. And now the third issue has been resolved, for City Folk will let players hook a USB keyboard up to their Wiis -- superb news! Just give us the ability to skip instantly through Nook's natterings and Blathers' blather, and we'll be pleased as punch.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city...e3-2008e308keyboardsimusbThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/logic-3-opens-preorders-on-keyboard-peripheral-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/logic-3-opens-preorders-on-keyboard-peripheral-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/logic-3-opens-preorders-on-keyboard-peripheral-for-wii/#comments
Our friends across the pond (and Chris) have a choice when it comes to keyboards for their Wii. No, we're not talking about the wide assortment of cheap USB keyboards that are out there and compatible with the console, we mean Logic 3's Wii keyboard above. Aside from its plain design, it features the normal QWERTY set-up and will cost you £14.99 (about $30). It will release on July 18th.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardlogic-3qwertyusbTue, 08 Jul 2008 23:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/nyko-media-hub-adds-usb-ports-sd-card-support-to-40gb-machines/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/nyko-media-hub-adds-usb-ports-sd-card-support-to-40gb-machines/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/nyko-media-hub-adds-usb-ports-sd-card-support-to-40gb-machines/#commentsThe cheaper 40GB is missing a few features, the most noteworthy being backwards compatibility with PS2 games. However, it has a few other minor quirks. For example, it only has two USB ports, instead of four, and it's missing some memory card readers. (The 20GB launch machine is also missing memory card readers.) Well, Nyko will have none of that nonsense!

From the press release: "We found that many of our customers who had purchased the popular 40 GB version of the PS3, which has less USB ports and no media card reader, were looking for an affordable solution to expand with these features," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "With the Media Hub, an additional three USB ports and a media card reader are now possible for all PS3 models, allowing consumers to enjoy the full capabilities of their multimedia system no matter which model they choose."

The Media Hub is expected to hit stores in August, with a rather steep asking price of $20.

The two USB ports on the back of the Nintendo Wii don't get a whole lot of love, but that might be changing sometime in the near future. According to PC World, a recent posting on Nintendo's job board calls for a Software/Hardware Tester specializing in creating and executing "a test plan for Wii's USB devices."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendousbWiiThu, 12 Jun 2008 05:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/#comments
Unemployed loafers might do well to apply down at Nintendo, as they need a new lackey to take care of some business. That business might be very interesting, as the opening is for an experienced USB ... dude. This means the under-utilized USB capabilities on the Wii might be getting some decent stuff for future pluggage. External memory is the hot ticket, but that's still kinda boring. How about this thing for plenty of cool air during a hot, sweaty Wii Sports session?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>external-hard-driveexternal-storagehardware-testerhddjobssoftware-testeruniversal-serial-bususbMon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/hes-a-demon-on-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/hes-a-demon-on-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/hes-a-demon-on-usb/#comments
Are you likely to be spending some money at Target in the near future? Then you might as well head on over there sometime soon and pick up this Speed Racer-themed gift card (which you can use later to buy what you actually wanted in the first place). Even if you're not interested at all in the upcoming game (or movie), you'll still land yourself the free mini USB 2.0 Flash drive that comes with it. The drive only holds 62.8 MB worth of stuff, but should that bother you, you're missing the key word here -- free.

Initially, 51.6 MB will be taken up by promotional Speed Racer goodies, but that stuff can always be deleted. Those of you who are looking forward to seeing the Mach 5 in action soon enough, though, might enjoy some of the extras provided. According to GamerTell, the drive includes:

A special code for the Wii version of the video game (we wonder what that will do/unlock?)

Due to the nature of the internet, we're sure you'll be able to find the game code without buying the Flash drive-bundled gift card. Still, we recommend getting one of these pseudo-free sticks if Target is one of your regular stomping grounds.

With Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and even Yoshi-themed Wii casemods already out in the wild, it was only a matter of time before someone personalized their console with everyone's favorite mascot, Mario. BeerBellyJoe sculpted the plumber's figure out of clay, affixing him to one of the Wii's side panels before painting the entire system. Interestingly, that cloud looks nothing like the bush!

It isn't visible in the image above, but there's a pipe on the other side that doubles as a Wii remote charger. The front of the decorated base also has an extra USB port and an LED mushroom that lights up when the port is in use. Hit the gallery below for more shots or click the "read" link to check out Joe's guide on how to make your own Mario Wii mod.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerclayledmariopaintsuper-mario-brosusbMon, 10 Mar 2008 11:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-wireless-sensor-bar-with-something-extra-a-wire/#comments
We're not really in the market for a sensor bar, since ours Just Works and we've managed to conceal the little cord, but if we were interested in replacing it, we'd choose CYBER Gadget's 2Way Sensor Bar. It's the most versatile third-party sensor bar we've seen. It retails for around 2000 yen ($18).

The 2Way Sensor Bar can operate on 4 AA batteries when wireless play is desired, or it can be powered by the Wii's (or any) USB connection. Too bad it doesn't have internal batteries that could be charged over USB, or it would be perfect.

Unfortunately, the unobtrusive design of the original sensor bar has been replaced with a Wii-imitation white slab with some lights on it. We don't really mind the clock, because, hey, if you've got a thing sitting on top of your TV, it might as well make itself useful.

Here's an awesome DIY project you can try out with an old Gameboy/GBC game that you're not too fond of -- turn it into a USB drive! Themadscientist101 has a photo guide showing how to cut open a window and shave off some of the inside wall to fit a USB drive into the plastic housing. You won't be able to play the game anymore after modding the cart, but if you use something crappy like Mortal Kombat, that shouldn't be a problem.

Just think of how cool everyone will think you are when you pull out a Pokemon cart to show off the Pokemon strategy guides you downloaded from GameFAQs! The girls will be fighting over you. It'll be like the Axe Effect, but in Pokemon form. For real.

Themadscientist101 also has a Lego USB mod that the ladies can't resist. Jump past the post break for photos of the brick drive.

Hori's USB Illumination Stand -- available in black and white -- seems straightforward, lighting up your Wii with LEDs as it siphons power off the console. But what's with the $19.90 price tag at Play Asia ($22.90 on NCSX), and why is that extra cord in the back also plugged into one of the system's two USB ports? Though you can't tell just by looking at it, the front flap of the base opens up to reveal a USB port powered by that extra hook-up.

With the port conveniently positioned on the front, you can plug in a USB keyboard or, one day, an external drive without having to mess with the tangle of wires in the back. You can see a close-up of the hidden port and another shot of the base after the break.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>horiledstandusbMon, 24 Dec 2007 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wii-warm-up-usb-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wii-warm-up-usb-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wii-warm-up-usb-me/#comments
Aside from charging a Wiimote dock or utilization the limited keyboard support, you might not think the USB ports on the back of that sexy Wii of yours are useful in regards to much else. In this day and age, lots of things can charge or run on USB. Heck, we know we charge our cell phone on USB more often than whipping out the AC adapter and plugging it into an outlet.

Considering that, we wanted to know how you're making use of the Wii's USB ports. If you leave your console in standby, you can charge this or that through your Wii. So, how do you make use of the USB ports?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dockstandbyusbSat, 01 Dec 2007 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/ffiii-not-ridiculously-expensive-for-once/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/ffiii-not-ridiculously-expensive-for-once/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/ffiii-not-ridiculously-expensive-for-once/#comments
If you made a point of not picking up Final Fantasy 3 DS after seeing its redonkulous $40 tag when it first hit stores a year ago, you'll be happy to hear that the 3D remake's price has been slashed in half with an Onion Sword! Already, Amazon and GameStop/EB are selling Final Fantasy 3 for $19.99. Even if you already have the game, it's so cheap now, you won't mind buying it again (provided that you aren't still broke from buying it the first time)!